Venues, planners, florists, cakes, event designers, dj’s & bands – we’ve seen them all and we know who really delivers. We are proud to know and work with the companies listed below. We are always looking for more amazing vendors to add to our list. If Wayne is really impressed with working with someone or with a fantastic location, he’ll put it here. Look for more on recent events at his blog.
vendors
Chatham Bars Inn
I have photographed so many weddings here and never grow tired of how perfect this location is. Which is only topped off by how great their staff is. Their team will help you create an amazing event from beginning-to-end in an absolutely stunning location.
Nantucket Catering Company
If you are having your special day on Nantucket, these are the caterers you want. Mark & Eithne know how to not only throw a great party but deliver amazing food under any circumstances. I have worked with them many times and am always impressed with what they produce.
The Blue Room
If you are looking for a great restaurant space for rehearsal dinners or day-after brunches in the Boston area, the Blue Room in Kendall Square, Cambridge is fantastic. They provide services to cocktail parties up to 75 and sit-down dinner parties up to 50. They also have a new superb little intimate private wine room that seats up to 12.
Flowers on Chestnut
This florist shop on Nantucket tends to dominate the market out there and for good reason. They do an amazing job and they pay attention to you and the details.
SD Events
This is one of Boston’s premier event planning agencies. If you need a superb coordinator and or planner and you are in the area you should check these ladies out. I have enjoyed every occasion that I have worked with them.
Erbaluce
This restaurant in the Bay Village area of Boston has a great function space upstairs, perfect for rehearsal dinners or medium size wedding receptions. Besides that it has been voted as Boston’s best authentic Italian cuisine. The food is amazing.
The Liberty Hotel
This spectacular Boston hotel has a killer function spaces, a superb staff and some of the greatest views of the Charles River. Try and book in advance to get the penthouse sweet for the best view.
Zia Café & Bakeshop
What, a pizzeria, yes or NO!! Caren not only makes fresh dough for her husband’s pizza everyday but happens to be one of the best cake designers on Cape Cod, yes her cakes are amazing. I worked with her many times when she lived on Nantucket and was arguably the best dessert baker on the island. Now you can have her bake your perfect wedding cake for any location on the Cape.
Danversport Yacht Club
This Yacht Club has a great location with stunning sunsets, and a great function space and wonderful grounds for creating opportunities for superb images.
Ceremonies & Celebrations of Life
Mary Coburn is a great celebrant to help organize your special ceremony and make it run more smoothly. She works in the New England area and I can attest to her not only being very professional but jovial, quick-witted and easy to work.
Groove Entertainment
I have seen my fair share of DJs after somewhere around 100 weddings. I’ve worked with these guys a few times and they’re great. Joe Toto is not only the president but a great DJ for your special day.
resources + ideas
You already know that in this day and age of high-velocity internet seething through your phone you practically have too many sources for ideas from blogs to 100’s of magazines to Wedding Expos. Here we have simply added a few ideas of our own after years of working with great clients in planning and capturing their perfect wedding day.
One of the first things I say to every bride I speak with is “Have you checked out the sunset time?” Brides and even wedding planners seem to love forgetting about this little item. As far as photography goes, everything should be planned around the awareness of what time the sun is going to go down on your wedding day. That amazing dusk light that comes during sunset is perfect for creating beautiful photo walk images. I often tell brides and grooms to plan on leaving the reception for about 20 minutes during dusk so we can create the best images of just the two of them. It’s easy to coordinate with the staff and is something not to be missed.
A great reference book is Planning a Wedding to Remember: The Perfect Wedding Planner, 6th. Edition by Beverly Clark. There are tons of books out there but this one gets updated regularly and is a great source for ideas and organization.
As your planning progresses you may look at more and more planning checklists similar to those available at weddingdetails.com: this can get a little overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to taper you checklists down, especially with your photographer. Each couple creates their own special wedding day with a different style that fits them. You should choose a photographer that has a great deal of experience and that you feel confident will create all the necessary images.
Most experienced photographers will have no problem coordinating and expediting the family portrait session in a timely fashion while making sure to get pics of every significant relative and the bridal party. If you have any out-of-the ordinary portraits you desire, make sure to note them to the photographer ahead of time. Your photographer should inspire you and your bridal party yet be efficient. There’s only one day and a few hours get great images of your particular group of close friends and family together.